Since the inception of modern Chinese coins in 1979, the China Mint has produced many exquisite pieces that are considered by many to be works of art. However, this level of quality and craftsmanship was not achieved overnight – Rome was not built in a day! The 1982 12th FIFA World Cup ¼ oz gold coin is one such example of a coin type that fell through the quality control net, so to speak.

Throughout the history of modern Chinese coins there have been many error strikes, most of which will have been detected by the Mint early on in the production process and therefore not issued, making the error strikes true rarities. The 1982 12th FIFA World Cup ¼ oz gold coin is a curious piece in that it bears a glaring error in the inscription on the reverse face...